Carly Hayward

Carly Hayward – Editor

Editor with 10+ years experience (specialties: romance, fantasy, & sci-fi). Contact me to build your team and bring your book to light!

Overview

I am a developmental editor specializing in genre-fiction, including but not limited to romance, paranormal, erotica, fantasy, and YA. I will be your book’s best friend.

I have worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years, including at a major publishing house, a literary agency, a small press, and an indie publishing house that helps indie-authors. I am also a co-host on a writing advice podcast.

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"I met Carly the same day I saw Mad Max Fury Road, so she'll forever be linked in my mind to Furiosa--someone you absolutely want on your side! With Carly's guidance, I turned my pretty okay novel into something so much more, something alive. I always felt she loved my characters as much as I did--she simply got what I was trying to do, and helped me do it. I have no doubt that my book (and hopefully many to come) are vastly improved by her involvement."

-Kim Alexander, International Bestselling Author of The Demon Door Series

"I've been lucky to work with several editors who've improved my books and made me a better writer. I appreciate Carly's style. The feedback is concise and easy to understand. Her willingness to discuss not just this first book but where I'm going in the series is a great help, the kind of support I need as I try something new."

-Cheryl Harper, USA Today Bestselling Author of Can't Help Falling in Love and Least Likely to Fall in Love

"Carly's incisive mind, solid understanding of storytelling, and experience in the traditional publishing industry set her apart from the freelance editing crowd. When I send her my best work I'm confident that her edits will make it even better."
Services
Fiction
Fantasy LGBTQ Fiction Romance Science Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • EFA (2015-Present)
  • B.A. in English (Magna Cum Laude)
  • Member of CWIP (2017-Present)
  • Revise & Resub Co-founder and Editor (2017-Present)
  • ShoreIndie Editor (2017-2018)
  • Pitch to Publication Editor (2015 - 2016)

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2014 — Present

I offer editing services for those preparing to publish their book. If you have taken your book as far as you possibly can, I will be your "second pair of eyes."

My services include coaching calls, manuscript evaluations/critiques, and developmental editing.

I love diving into your story to help you find your voice and bring out the best version of your book. Every time we work together your writing will improve, some say it is like taking a personal writing course. Reading has always been my passion, and helping authors bring wonderful books to other readers is my contribution to the literary world.

My preferred genres are Adult Romance (historical, suspense, contemporary, paranormal, erotica), Adult Sci-fi, Adult Fantasy, YA (Sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary), and MG (Sci-fi, fantasy). I do not currently accept Horror or Non-fiction.

Boroughs Publishing Group

May, 2017 — Jan, 2020 (over 2 years)

I edit various romance titles for Boroughs Publishing Group. Including erotica, contemporary, and historical titles.

HarperCollins Publishers

Oct, 2012 — Aug, 2014 (almost 2 years)

I supported the editors of the Avon/William Morrow Imprint

Sterling Lord Literistic

Nov, 2011 — May, 2012 (6 months)

Assisted Literary Agents where needed, including but not limited to: reviewing the slush pile, recommending manuscripts to the agents, crafting materials for publishers.

Portfolio

Fireline

DeCapite, Anthony

The Memory Visit

Jenny Lynn Lambert

~Editor's Pick~All a person needs to escape the bombed-out cities and tormenting thirst of NorCoast is a fifteen-minute Memory Visit. Seventeen-year-old Rain, however, is not looking for an escape—she needs answers. When flashbacks of her twin brother’s drowni... read more
Speed bumps are there for a reason. Especially after barreling through the genesis of a relationship. But when rock drummer, Jake, and his career-driven girlfriend, Louana, blow through stop signs and red lights, sirens flare. The two learn one thing: If they ... read more
FROM NOW ON...Piper Goldhirsch has returned home for the holidays after being on assignment for two months in war-torn Syria. Still heartbroken over the way things ended with ship captain, Jack Spencer, she's wary when he offers to take her away to Catalina Is... read more
NOTHING COULD BE MORE PERFECT...UNTIL IT ISN'TPiper is one loved-up woman after her romantic getaway with Jack on Catalina Island. Given all they've been through, she's amazed their love has thrived...and continues to sizzle. While heading home on Jack's yacht... read more
He’s her ticket into high society…Banking heiress Ursula Nunes has lived her life on the fringes of Philadelphia’s upper class. Her Jewish heritage means she’s never quite been welcomed by society’s elite…and her quick temper has never helped, either. A faux e... read more
HAPPINESS HAS A PRICECaptain Jack Spencer owns and runs a whale watching company, Ahoy, Matey. When his business takes off, a jealous rival wants him and his company gone. Jack has no idea the delectable Piper Goldhirsch is tasked with scuttling everything he'... read more
After a quick but memorable fling, Louana Higgins leaves the drummer for The Spades exactly where he belongs: a tour bus. The junior producer knows she's dodged a bullet. Because, despite his melt-your-heart chocolate eyes and rising fame, Jake Riley is not bo... read more
Flip the Beat

Roxanne D. Howard

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STARMolly Ivers thought she found Prince Charming, but without a devilishly sexy accent, and six months ago she gave into their undeniable attraction. But the swarm of ever-present groupies was so not part of the fairy tale. As much as it ... read more
Jane Austen's most famous lovers, Darcy and Elizabeth, return in a tale of romance, adventure, and danger set in the heart of the Caribbean.NO GREATER LOVEDarcy’s sudden, passionate kiss sweeps Elizabeth into a bliss she has never known...but their love is sho... read more
ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRESCameron MacKay dedicated his life to atoning for an unforgivable mistake by becoming a surgeon beyond compare. During the Crimean War, he meets Nightingale nurse Elissa Lockwood in Turkey, and she makes him believe that redemption, l... read more
"Kim Alexander's The Sand Prince is a thrill ride of fantastical proportion. Can hardly wait for the next wild installment." David Baldacci, New York Times and International Best Selling Author"Kim embraces the writing style of Ilona Andrews and Jeaniene Frost... read more
Trouble and Strife

Johanne Levesque

Sometimes the smallest voices make the deepest impact.Josephine Hadley, a 1930s Canadian housewife, fills her days looking after her children, her indifferent husband and a stream of Depression-era visitors. Her contribution to her guests is a bowl of stew and... read more
Alannah’s world is torn apart after her mother dies in a tragic car accident. Since then, she has struggled to fit in with her classmates at school. Just days before her twelfth birthday, Alannah’s dad brings home a lamb called Lorcan, whose mother was killed ... read more
A brand new standalone with an HEA from Amazon Bestselling Romance Author Mickey MillerEvaI've always been the good girl.Until one night in Tijuana.When the most gorgeous man in the bar struck up a conversation with me.He was so damn cocky, I decided to play a... read more
WOMEN SHOULD BE...The end of the Crimean War brings Victoria Thorne home to face a society that frowns on women with brains, education and experience, especially one who could be a physician. Though she proves herself a skilled nurse, Victoria finds she is no ... read more
Beyond Today

L. Simpson

THE PRICE OF FORGIVENESSWhen Hannah meets Howard, the elusive best man in her friend's wedding, Hannah is instantly drawn to the damaged alpha because they share a connection that makes her heart race and her head spin. But his past, his family and how he slak... read more
Pure

kim alexander

‘A unicorn walks into a bar….’ That is not a joke. Look, I’m a bartender, I have nothing to do with the xenos. I don’t care if it’s an elf or a vampire--as long as they don’t bother me, I steer clear. I have my reasons--you can see them in the scars on my neck... read more
Dark Rooms

Sionna Fox

NO SAFE WORDSWomen beg Wes Oliver to dominate them in darkness. In the light, he’s finally getting his life back on track. College is priority number one—until he finds his new professor is the delicious Sub who ran out on him last weekend, a brilliant and mat... read more
...the huge dark bulk of Gardenhour rose at his back…at once a blessing of family and security, and a curse of loneliness and lies… A dangerous man with a dark and tragic past An innocent girl with dreams of a bright future Can Gwenyth’s love drive away the sh... read more
International bestselling author, Kim Alexander presents book one of the epic fantasy saga that brings action and adventure to a new level.Two worlds, bound by magic, divided by a door.On the war-ravaged demon world of Eriis, Hellne, the fierce young queen, fi... read more
The Demon Door can be opened...but the price is deadly. Rhuun, the half-human heir to the demon throne of Eriis, has found acceptance among the humans on Mistra. He even found love with the tempting and infuriating human, Lelet va’Everly. With Lelet at his sid... read more
Who will win his hand in marriage...and his love?Lady Eleanor de la Tour’s life turns upside down on her wedding day. She's ordered to wed the new earl, to whom the king has given her betrothed's title and lands. Though Richard Courtenay is handsome and intrig... read more
Whether it's the equipment contract for the biggest college football program in the state of Texas or the championship coach who got away, Nina Montrose refuses to be defeated. Being a winner comes with perks, but Coach Jack Ford wants something more than a fa... read more
Running the place. Like a boss.Lindy Mason is happy to be back at Lincoln High School. As principal, she’s faced with the tough decision on how to handle a bullying case involving Maddie Myers, daughter of the boy who made her high school days a misery. Gettin... read more

Carly has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bryce H.

Bryce H.

Jun, 2022

Had responsive with thought-out suggestions and answers whenever I had questions. Her assessment of my work had a number of suggestions that aided me and helped to give me a new perspective on my work that I'm very thankful for and am using to fix my writing even now. However, occasionally when reading through the assessment I felt as though some comments were a bit on the generic side. Though ...
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llljj H.

llljj H.

May, 2022

Carly's editorial assessment was thorough, and she went above and beyond to not only help improve my story, but to help me become a better rider. Her responsiveness, including providing amazing advice after the project had been completed when I presented a new proposed story outline, was invaluable in the rewrite. I have a 2nd draft that I am beyond proud of, and thanks to Carly, the differenc...
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